Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Debate: A Case Of Disheveled Elegance vs. Sloppiness

I saw this picture earlier today and I found myself perplexed about why this guy was photographed in the first place. I understand that Mr. Schuman is all about photographing classic examples of sprezzatura, or disheveled elegance, but this specific case seems to cross over into the realm of sloppy. It's almost as if this dude was hanging out at his apartment in jeans and a white tee only to remember he had to hit up a fashion show so he threw on a cardigan (waistcoat?) and a sportcoat. And he didn't even bother to tuck his t-shirt in either. If I was this guy the initial jeans and a tee would have been fine, but then again I'm not getting invited to exclusive fashion cult gatherings. Thoughts? Cool casual elegance or straight up sloppiness?

I think as sometimes can be the case with street shots on The Sartorialist, it isn't always exactly what the person is wearing; its how they rock it. Schuman is drawn to details.

Look at this guy: the upturned collar on the coat, the white pocket square, the unbuttoned top botton on the cardigan, the way he combed his hair, the five-o-clock shadow. These are the details that make him interesting.

First off, it doesn't hurt that this guy is hansome and well groomed. Personally, I think this guy pulls off the vasual elegance quite well. The t would look akward tucked in. The way he takes the relatively standard jeans, t, and blazer look, and throws on the cardigan and pocket square is stylish.

I dont think its disheveled elegance or sloppiness, the guy obviously tries with his appearance so it can't be sloppiness. And he certainly doesnt look elegant so there's no sprezzatura going on. To me it looks like he thought a white t and jeans was boring, so he tried to spice it up and it just looks weird. Like he could've gotten dressed properly but chose not to.

It works for him. Granted, Mr. Schuman isn't the be all-end all of style, but obviously something about the fellow caught his eye. As stated earlier, it doesn't hurt that the young man is attractive and tall. Let's not forget, style isn't always about adhering to the rules, it's about doing what you do and HOW you do it...I could care less about the rules of a waistcoat and t-shirt. If it feels right, just do it (c) Nike.

I'm convinced that his website is a social psych experiment. He posts people who are dressed as homeless people sometimes, but they are (famous) designers. Everyone raves how great they look, even though they are in rumpled, ill fitting, clashing style clothing. I think he's just looking to see if everyone compliments them regardless of their attire.

The waistcoat is far too much in the instant photo. But, the worst part is the formal pocketsquare. Just doesn't go with anything else in the outfit at all- even the jacket.